Is Kathmandu or Phnom Penh cheaper to live in?

Kathmandu is 65% cheaper than Phnom Penh. The average monthly cost in Kathmandu is $365, while Phnom Penh costs $1,041 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Kathmandu or Phnom Penh?

For digital nomads, Phnom Penh offers faster internet at 60 Mbps. Kathmandu is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Kathmandu has a NomadIQ score of 6.5/10 while Phnom Penh scores 6.4/10.

What is the rent difference between Kathmandu and Phnom Penh?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $179/month in Kathmandu and $622/month in Phnom Penh. Kathmandu has 71% lower rent.

Is Kathmandu or Phnom Penh safer?

Kathmandu has a higher safety score of 6.4/10. Kathmandu scores 6.4/10 for safety while Phnom Penh scores 4.9/10.

Should I move to Kathmandu or Phnom Penh as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Kathmandu if budget is important ($365/month). Choose Kathmandu for better safety. Phnom Penh is better for remote work with 60 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Kathmandu vs Phnom Penh

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/mo6.5/10

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/mo6.4/10

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/moNomadIQ 6.5/10

Phnom Penh

Cambodia

$1,041/moNomadIQ 6.4/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Kathmandu

Phnom Penh

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$365

$1,041

Kathmandu

Rent (1BR)

$179

$622

Kathmandu

Groceries

$127

$220

Kathmandu

Transport

$10

$80

Kathmandu

Healthcare

$40

$90

Kathmandu

Safety Score

6.4/10

4.9/10

Kathmandu

Internet Speed

35 Mbps

60 Mbps

Phnom Penh

NomadIQ Score

6.5/10

6.4/10

Kathmandu

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 7 out of 8 categories.Phnom Penh wins 1 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Kathmandu and Phnom Penh, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Kathmandu

$365/mo

Best Internet

Phnom Penh

60 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Kathmandu

6.5/10

Our Recommendation: Kathmandu is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Kathmandu vs Phnom Penh

When comparing Kathmandu and Phnom Penh for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Kathmandu offers a more affordable lifestyle at $365/month compared to Phnom Penh's $1,041/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Phnom Penh provides faster connectivity at 60 Mbps compared to Kathmandu's 35 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.4/10, Kathmandu provides a more secure environment than Phnom Penh (4.9/10).

Overall: Kathmandu earns a higher NomadIQ score of 6.5/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.

Cost of Living Comparison

Kathmandu is 65% cheaper than Phnom Penh.

• Kathmandu rent: $179/mo
• Phnom Penh rent: $622/mo
• Difference: $443/mo

Safety Comparison

Kathmandu has a higher safety score (6.4/10) compared to Phnom Penh (4.9/10).

6.4/10

Kathmandu

4.9/10

Phnom Penh

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Phnom Penh offers faster internet at 60 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.

35 Mbps

Kathmandu

60 Mbps

Phnom Penh

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Kathmandu edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 7 of 8 comparison factors.

Kathmandu: Best for budget-conscious expats

Phnom Penh: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Kathmandu vs Phnom Penh

Kathmandu

Phnom Penh

Kathmandu

Phnom Penh

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Kathmandu vs Phnom Penh

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Kathmandu vs Phnom Penh